According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s only a 50% chance that an injured employee will return to work after a six-month absence. Therefore, it’s critical for your employer customers to get injured employees back to work as soon as possible. But speed isn’t the only thing to consider — business owners need to make sure injured employees are medically ready to start working again. That’s where our return-to-work program comes in. Westfield can help policyholders balance healing and employee engagement through traditional light duty tasks and creative alternatives.

What Is WesWorks^®?

When light duty tasks aren’t available or a business owner is unable to accommodate specific medical restrictions, WesWorks offers engaging solutions. This off-site transitional work program connects injured employees with work opportunities at local nonprofit organizations until they’re ready to resume their regular work.

How Our Program Works

Westfield’s return-to-work program helps find opportunities for safe work tasks that not only gives injured employees a sense of purpose, but also helps them rehabilitate. Here’s how it works:

1. A policyholder reports a workers’ compensation claim.
2. Our claims team works with the employer, injured employee, and medical provider to coordinate medical care.
3. When the employee is medically ready to start working again, we help develop a plan based on the restrictions given by a medical professional. If necessary, Westfield coordinates a temporary placement at a nonprofit, with the policyholder paying the employee’s wages for their transitional work.
4. Once the employee is cleared by a medical provider to resume regular duties, or the employer is able to accommodate the medical restrictions, the employee goes back to work at the policyholder’s business.

Advantages of Transitional Work

From reduced financial stress to increased morale, a well-managed return-to-work program offers many benefits to both employers and employees.

Employee Benefits

• Lessens Financial Stress – Recovering employees will earn wages and continue to participate in the employer’s benefit programs. Additionally, their concerns about continued employment will likely be relieved.
• Retains Skill Set – By avoiding a long, stagnant break from work, business owners can help keep their recovering employee’s skills sharp.
• Keeps Connection – A shorter absence allows recovering employees to avoid feeling isolated from their team. Plus, a successful return-to-work program shows that the policyholder cares about their employees, which can strengthen an employee’s connection to the workplace.
• Reduces Recovery Time – Reintegrating an injured employee to the workplace quickly and safely can help speed up the healing process while reducing the chances of stress, boredom, and depression.
• Boosts Morale – The opportunity to be productive often gives the employee a sense of purpose and improves their self-esteem.
  

Employer Benefits

Reduces Costs – Workers’ compensation costs, including indemnity and medical benefits, can be reduced when employees return to work sooner rather than later. Additionally, the employee’s quick return can help save business owners the cost of training and compensating a temporary replacement.

Decreases Turnover – Many studies suggest the longer an employee remains at home, the less likely they are to return to work. Therefore, having a defined return-to-work policy can help business owners avoid turnover, as well as the time and expense associated with hiring and recruitment.

Maintains Productivity – Even with modified work tasks, an injured employee is a valuable contributor. And when an employee feels productive, supported, and appreciated, operational productivity is often maximized.

Boosts Team Morale – By bringing an injured employee back safely and quickly, employers show that they care about their employees and their wellbeing, which can lead to higher employee engagement and increased morale.

Download the WesWorks Flyer to Learn More

WesWorks is available to Westfield workers’ compensation policyholders — at no additional cost! Download and save the WesWorks flyer for additional program details. And don’t forget to share this value-added program with your customers.

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